Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

North Island, New Zealand, New Zealand

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Te Henga, also known as Bethells Beach, is a striking black‑sand beach on the west coast of Auckland Region in the North Island of New Zealand, located roughly 37 km west of Auckland City where the Waitākere River meets the Tasman Sea.

The beach is known for its powerful surf, steep dunes, and a dramatic coastal setting backed by native forest, making it a popular spot for surfing, walking, and photography rather than calm swimming. Behind the dunes lies Lake Wainamu, a small freshwater lake often used as a safer swimming and picnic area, and the area links into the Te Henga Walkway, part of the Hillary Trail, offering coastal ridge walks with sweeping views of the rugged west coast.

Facilities are limited, with a small parking area and basic toilets, and the beach has little to no mobile phone coverage, adding to its wild, remote feel just a short drive from Auckland.